![]() Accessibility ResourcesThe official NPS app offers current accessibility details for facilities and select trails. It includes audio descriptions for outdoor exhibits and visitor center entrances, as well as alt text for images. Download the free app before your visit to enhance your experience using your device’s built-in accessibility features.Access PassThe America the Beautiful Access Pass provides free lifetime entry and discounts for U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities. Passes are available at park entrances and visitor centers.Sign Language InterpretersAccessibility services for ranger programs are available with at least three weeks’ notice. This advance time is necessary as services are contracted with providers who may live several hours from the park. To request accommodations, call 307-344-2251 or email us.Captioning
Assistive Listening
Audio Description
Large Print & BrailleLarge print and braille versions of the official Yellowstone Map & Guide are available at visitor centers, contacting the park, or download a copy in a Braille Ready Format (BRF).Service AnimalsTrained service animals assisting individuals with disabilities are welcome in Yellowstone and must be leashed at all times. A service animal is defined as a dog trained to perform tasks the individual cannot do themselves—such as providing balance support, carrying gear, or alerting to medical conditions like seizures.Emotional support, therapy, or companion animals are not considered service animals and are not allowed in buildings, on boardwalks, nature trails, or in the backcountry. Accessibility in Developed Areas The National Park Service and its concessioners are committed to making Yellowstone National Park as accessible as possible. While many facilities are historic and not fully accessible, the park is actively working to identify and remove barriers through a self-assessment and transition plan. Due to Yellowstone’s remote, wilderness setting, some challenges remain. Not all accessible features meet federal standards, and some may not be marked with the international symbol.
FacilitiesCanyon Visitor Education CenterThe building is wheelchair accessible. Accessible restrooms. Tactile and audio exhibits. Food Service
Stores
Canyon Lodge and CabinsNineteen accessible rooms in Dunraven and Cascade lodges, including three accessible suites. Five accessible Western Cabin units with roll-in showers. Canyon CampgroundThree accessible sites in Loop L (can be reserved), with an extended picnic table and a raised fire grate. Accessible restrooms are also in Loop L, near the accessible sites. The camper services building is not accessible. Learn More about campgrounds in Yellowstone. Learning About the AreaFilms and ExhibitsThe Canyon Visitor Education Center has accessible tactile and audio exhibits, Films are captioned and audio description and assistive listening devices are available for use in the theater. Ranger-led ProgramsOffered in the summer and sometimes in the fall. The schedule is in the park newspaper, in the online calendar, and posted around the area. Evening programs are accessible; others as noted. What to SeeGrand Canyon of the Yellowstone RiverAccessible restrooms at Brink of Lower Falls parking area. Accessible vault toilets at Artist Point. Designated accessible parking on the north and south rims and at all overlooks. The trail guide includes more information about accessibility.
Hayden ValleyNo designated parking, but large pullouts are available. Nearest accessible restrooms are at Mud Volcano or Canyon areas. FacilitiesMadison Information StationThe building is located downhill approximately 250 feet (76 m) from the parking area. Wheelchair users may require assistance to the center and the amphitheater. Designated Accessible ParkingDesignated accessible parking spaces at the walkway leading to the information station and in front of the restrooms and picnic area. Picnic Areas
Fishing Ramp & PlatformAt the Mount Haynes Overlook, approximately 3.5 miles (5.6 km) west of Madison Junction. A level boardwalk leads to the Madison River. CampgroundThree accessible sites (can be reserved), with an extended picnic table and a raised fire grate. The closest accessible shower is at Old Faithful Inn (16 miles / 26 km south). Visitors using wheelchairs may require assistance using some of the trails leading from the campground to the river. Learn more about campgrounds in Yellowstone. West Yellowstone Visitor Information CenterLocated 14 miles (23 km) west of Madison Junction, in the town of West Yellowstone, MT. Wheelchair-accessible entrance and restrooms. Learning About the AreaRanger-led ProgramsOffered in summer. The schedule is in the park newspaper, in the online calendar, and posted around the Madison and West Yellowstone areas.
What to SeeMadison River Junction (Gibbon and Firehole Rivers)Views of the river junction from several large, accessible pullouts on the West Entrance Road. National Park MountainWheelchair-accessible views along the West Entrance Road. Exhibits at the Madison Information Station explain the origin of the mountain’s name; wheelchair users may require assistance. Firehole Canyon DriveApproximately one mile (1.6 km) south of Madison Junction, this one-way drive descends between two lava flows to the Firehole River. Firehole Cascade is at the far end of the drive. Two Ribbons TrailExhibits on a boardwalk along the Madison River. Terrace SpringAccessible boardwalk. A steep grade exists in the middle of the loop; wheelchair users may require assistance. FacilitiesWheelchair RentalWheelchairs can be rented at the medical clinic for a $300 deposit and $15 per day. Wheelchairs are available for loan at the hotel for its guests, and at the visitor center while in the area. Albright Visitor CenterTwo designated parking spaces directly across the street from the accessible entrance. The Backcountry Office and all restrooms are in the basement (accessible by elevator). Accessible restrooms. A manual wheelchair is available for loan at the visitor center while in the area. Induction loop technology is available for conversations with park rangers at the front desk. Audio description headsets (assistive listening system), a written description of the visitor center exhibits in large print (24 point), large print and braille versions of the official map and guide, and newspaper are available from information desk. Open captioning is included on silent videos associated with displays. Tactile exhibits are throughout the main floor. Medical ClinicTwo designated parking spaces and wheelchair access at the rear of the building; no wheelchair-accessible restrooms. Food Service
Stores
Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and CabinsAccessible entrances to the hotel, gift shop, and Terrace Grill. Accessible restrooms in the hotel lobby and Terrace Grill. Two accessible hotel rooms. Four accessible cabins. CampgroundsMammoth Campground will remain closed for the 2023-2024 winter season and will reopen in 2024 (dates TBD). During the 2022 flood, a sewer line adjacent to the road that carried wastewater from Mammoth Hot Springs to a sewage treatment plant in Gardiner was ruptured. Currently, work is underway to connect the Mammoth Campground to the new wastewater treatment system in Mammoth.
Yellowstone Heritage and Research CenterLocated in Gardiner, MT, this wheelchair-accessible building houses the park’s research library and has exhibits about the park’s history. Learn more about the Heritage and Research Center. Post OfficeDesignated accessible parking in front. Accessible entrance on south side of building. Learning About the AreaArea Trail GuidesAvailable for a nominal fee at the Albright Visitor Center and near the boardwalks. The Mammoth area guide describes the hydrothermal features of Mammoth Hot Springs. The Fort Yellowstone guide describes the historic area (see below). Ranger-led ProgramsThe schedule is in the park newspaper, in the online calendar, and posted around the Mammoth area. Evening programs at the hotel and campground are wheelchair-accessible; others as noted in the schedule. What to SeeMammoth Hot Springs Terraces
Fort Yellowstone National Historic Landmark Self-Guiding TrailEnjoy a self-guiding tour of this historic site at Mammoth Hot Springs, which dates from the time of U.S. Army management (1886–1918). The route has some potential hazards where the concrete sidewalk has buckled (up to 1.5 inches / 3.6 cm high) or has large gaps at expansion joints. The concrete sidewalk is cracked or deteriorated in some places. Side slope may be up to 6% in places along Officer’s Row. The sidewalks between the Albright Visitor Center and the Administration Building (originally double cavalry barracks) have 10–12% slopes. The audio description in the app describes the wayside exhibits. Forces of the Northern Range TrailDesignated accessible parking. The entire boardwalk is accessible. Some gaps between boards may exceed .5 inches (1 cm). The boardwalk surface is somewhat uneven in places. There are some tactile exhibits. The audio description in the app describes the wayside exhibits. The closest accessible toilet is at the Blacktail Creek pullout. Boiling River TrailAccessible parking space and vault toilet. The first 50 yards (45 m) of the compacted soil trail is accessible. Beyond this point, there are rocks, eroded trail surfacing, and drop-offs, as well as a couple small hills with up to a 20% grade. The soaking area is not accessible. Winter in MammothMammoth Hot Springs HotelAccessible entrances to the hotel, and gift shop. Accessible restrooms in the hotel lobby. Two accessible hotel rooms. Medical ClinicSee above. Closed weekends. Food Service
Stores
Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces
Groomed Ski Trails
FacilitiesNorris Geyser Basin MuseumDesignated accessible parking, but no curb cut. Trail to the museum is 200 yards (183 m) and in very poor condition; visitors may require assistance. The north wing (on your right from the trail) is accessible. Visitors using wheelchairs may need assistance to access the outside patio due to rocks embedded in the surface. Museum exhibits are accessible. Learning About the AreaArea Trail GuideAvailable for $1 from the box in front of the museum, this guide includes a map and descriptions of the hydrothermal features of the Norris Geyser Basin. Ranger-led ProgramsOffered in summer. The schedule is in the park newspaper, in the online calendar, and posted around the Norris area. Visitors attending programs at the campground amphitheater may require assistance. Museum of the National Park RangerDesignated accessible parking. The boardwalk around the building offers views of the meadow and Gibbon River. There are dropoffs of 1–4 inches (2.5–10 cm) in front of the outdoor exhibits adjacent to the boardwalk. Exhibits and videos are accessible. What to SeeNorris Geyser Basin TrailsVisitors using wheelchairs can see the steam and colors of Porcelain Basin from the Norris Museum. Emerald Pool, Steamboat and Echinus geysers are nearby and are accessible with assistance. Wheelchair travel into Porcelain and Back basins is difficult due to stairs, steep inclines, uneven ground, and changes in trail surface. Visitors using manual wheelchairs may require assistance; motorized wheelchairs may not have enough power. Consult the area trail guide or ask a ranger to recommend routes. Due to rough terrain, expect steep grades that exceed 8% and uneven ground where rocks and roots protrude into the trail. Most of these sections are marked on the Norris Geyser Basin Trail Guide map, but may change. Use caution. Roaring MountainLarge parking pullout. Exhibit is accessible. Obsidian CliffDesignated accessible parking, access to the historic exhibit, and a short accessible trail that leads to a wayside exhibit. Frying Pan SpringDesignated accessible parking. An accessible boardwalk 78 yards (71 m) leads to Frying Pan spring with a bench at the end of the boardwalk. Artists Paintpots3.8 miles/6 km south of Norris Junction, the lower portion of this colorful hydrothermal area is wheelchair-accessible. The upper trail to the mudpots includes stairs, is steep and rough, and not recommended for visitors using wheelchairs. FacilitiesWheelchair RentalWheelchairs can be rented (first-come, first-served) at the Old Faithful medical clinic for a $300 deposit and $15 per day. Manual wheelchairs are available for loan at all lodging facilities and the visitor center while in the area. Old Faithful Visitor Education CenterDesignated parking near entrance of visitor center. Accessible exhibits, including interactive displays with audio components, and open-captioned films. Evening programs are accessible. Others are noted in the schedule. Yellowstone Tribal Heritage CenterThe Yellowstone Tribal Heritage Center highlights Native American artists, scholars, and presenters, providing an opportunity for Indigenous peoples to directly engage visitors through formal and informal education. The Yellowstone Tribal Heritage Center is centrally located between Old Faithful Lodge and Old Faithful Visitor Education Center. Entrance and information desk are accessible. Post OfficeAccessible. Designated accessible parking near entrance. Food Service
Stores
Lodging
Picnic Areas
Learning About the AreaFilms and ExhibitsThe Old Faithful Visitor Education Center, has accessible exhibits, including tactile displays with audio components, and open-captioned films. Ranger-led ProgramsThe schedule is in the park newspaper, in the online calendar, and posted around the area. Evening programs are accessible; others as noted in the schedule. What to SeeGeyser Basins
Fountain Paint Pot and Firehole Lake Drive
Kepler Cascades
Winter at Old FaithfulOld Faithful Visitor Education CenterAccessible exhibits, including interactive displays with audio components, and open-captioned films. Evening programs are accessible. Others are noted in the schedule. Medical ClinicEmergency: Dial 911. Not open in winter. Warming HutsNone of the warming huts are accessible at this time. The lobby of the Canyon Visitor Education Center is open during the winter and is accessible and has accessible restrooms. Food Service
Stores
Old Faithful Snow LodgeAccessible restrooms, Obsidian Dining Room, Geyser Grill, gift shop, and Bear Den Ski Shop. Five accessible rooms and one accessible cabin. Upper Geyser Basin BoardwalkUpper Geyser Basin Boardwalk conditions vary in the winter from clear in warm areas, to hard packed snow. Inquire at the visitor center for open areas of boardwalk. Groomed Ski Trails
FacilitiesRoosevelt LodgeDesignated accessible parking is adjacent to the General Store, with a ~75 yd (69 m) walk to the lodge. Food Service
Stores
Picnic Areas
Campgrounds
Learning About the AreaRanger-led ProgramsThe nearest visitor centers, with exhibits and ranger-led programs, are the Canyon Visitor Education Center (19 miles / 31 km south) and the Albright Visitor Center at Mammoth (18 miles / 29 km west). Interpretive park rangers rove the Tower–Roosevelt area. What to SeeTower FallDesignated accessible parking. Redesigned and constructed in 2021, this ~150 yard (137 m) asphalt trail leads to a view of Tower Fall. Grades range between 2% and 4%. Mount Washburn and Dunraven PassDesignated accessible parking at most overlooks. Accessible vault toilets on Dunraven Pass. Lamar ValleyThere are many viewing areas with wayside exhibits, some with designated accessible parking. There is an accessible vault toilet at the Lamar River stock trailhead. FacilitiesGrant Visitor CenterDesignated accessible parking. Wheelchair accessible, though users may require assistance at the visitor center restroom. Orientation film is captioned and transcripts are available. Some exhibits are accessible. Manual wheelchairs are available for loan at the visitor center while in the area. Grant Village CampgroundDesignated parking at camper services building. Three wheelchair-accessible sites (can be reserved). Three shower, sink, toilet family restrooms. Accessible restrooms in Loop A. Accessible shower in camper services building. Evening ranger programs at amphitheater are accessible; others as noted in schedule. Learn More about campgrounds in Yellowstone. Grant MarinaBoat launch is accessible. Food Service
Stores
Grant Village LodgeDesignated accessible parking at lodging registration building. Twelve wheelchair-accessible hotel rooms. Wheelchairs are available for loan at the lodging registration building for its guests. ShowerIn the Camper Services Building. West Thumb Information StationDesignated parking. Entrance is accessible. Accessible vault toilets in parking area. Learning About the AreaFilms and ExhibitsFilms at Grant Visitor Center are opencaptioned, or transcripts are available. Ranger-led ProgramsOffered in summer. The schedule is in the park newspaper, in the online calendar, and posted around the area. Evening programs at the amphitheater are accessible; others as noted in the schedule. What to SeeWest Thumb Geyser BasinThe waters of this geyser basin flow into Yellowstone Lake, the largest lake at high elevation in North America. Enjoy the views of the hydrothermal features, the lake, and the Absaroka Range from the boardwalk. Visitors using wheelchairs may need assistance on the lower loop, which has grades up to 10 percent. Lewis Falls11.3 miles (18.3 km) south of West Thumb Junction, this cascade on the Lewis River can be viewed from a pullout along the road. No designated parking, but the pullout may have enough room to maneuver a wheelchair. FacilitiesFishing Bridge Visitor CenterIf you use a mobility device or have difficultly walking, the Fishing Bridge Visitor Center has a beach wheelchair for strolling along the shore of Yellowstone Lake with your family or friends. The beach wheelchair is available for use during visitor center hours. No reservations are required. Ask a ranger for availability. Medical Clinic (Lake Village)Emergency: Dial 911. Designated accessible parking in rear. Food Service
Stores
Lodging
Campgrounds
Learning About the AreaRanger-led ProgramsOffered at Fishing Bridge and Bridge Bay in the summer. The schedule is in the park newspaper, in the online calendar, and posted around the area. What to SeeFishing BridgeDesignated accessible parking and wayside exhibits. Natural BridgePark in pullout on main road just south of Bridge Bay Marina. This 2.5 mile (4 km), semi-paved trail has slopes up to 8%. Some areas have 5% cross slopes that can be avoided. The trail transitions to a rocky, natural surface where the first views of the natural bridge can be seen. Ask for current trail conditions at the Bridge Bay Marina or Fishing Bridge Visitor Center. Mud VolcanoDesignated accessible parking and accessible restrooms. The lower loop is accessible. Start at the northeast end of the parking area. At the boardwalk junction beyond the Mud Volcano, turn left and return to the parking area. LeHardys RapidsThere are two pullouts. Park at the north end. The distance from the parking lot to views of the river is approximately 150 feet (46 m). The trail transitions from boardwalk to a level, natural surface. The southern end of the trail has stairs. ATMAccessible ATMs are available in the major areas. BoatingBridge Bay Marina and Grant Village have accessible boating facilities. Read more about boating regulations in Yellowstone. CampingAll campgrounds have at least one wheelchair-accessible site. Two backcountry campsites are maintained to accommodate wheelchair users. Designated Accessible ParkingAccessible parking is designated in all major areas and at some overlooks, outdoor exhibits, and picnic areas. DiningAccessible dining options include fast food restaurants and dining rooms. Exhibits & ViewpointsThere are many accessible roadside exhibits and viewpoints. Visitor center exhibits are accessible as noted in the area descriptions. FishingAccessible fishing platforms are on the Madison River and at the Grant Marina on Yellowstone Lake. Learn more about fishing regulations in Yellowstone. LodgingAccessible lodging is available in all areas of the park. Medical ClinicsThe three medical clinics are accessible. Only Mammoth is open year round. Wheelchairs can be rented for $15 per day, with a $300 refundable deposit (cash or credit card). Motorized Personal VehiclesMotorized wheelchairs and scooters that are designed solely for use by a person with a mobility impairment are allowed. Picnic AreasAccessibility at picnic areas is improving. Check the picnicking page, the official NPS app, or ask for a free handout at visitor centers to learn more. Post OfficesThe Mammoth, Old Faithful, and Grant post offices are accessible. The Mammoth Post Office is open year-round. Ranger ProgramsCheck calendar listings for accessible programs (also available in the park newspaper, at visitor centers, and entrance stations). RestroomsAccessible restrooms with sinks and flush toilets are located at all major areas except West Thumb. Accessible vault toilets are found at some scenic overlooks, picnic areas, and campgrounds. Accessible vault toilets are located just inside the East and South entrances, and on the right side before the West Entrance gate. Service AnimalsQualified service animals assisting people with disabilities are allowed and must be leashed. A service animal is defined as a dog that performs some of the functions and tasks that the individual with a disability cannot perform such as carrying a pack for persons with mobility impairments, assisting persons with balance, or alerting medically-dependent persons of specific conditions such as oncoming seizures. Service StationsService stations are staffed seasonally during daylight hours and have call buttons at the pumps. ShowersAccessible showers are available at Fishing Bridge RV Park, Grant Village Campground, and the Old Faithful Inn. Stand-up DevicesVisitors who would otherwise need to use manual or motorized wheelchairs are allowed some use of the Segway® Personal Transporter and similar stand-up personal vehicles. Although wheelchairs are allowed wherever pedestrians are allowed in Yellowstone National Park, standup personal vehicles do not meet the description of a wheelchair and their use is limited for safety reasons.
Stores & Gift ShopsThe Mammoth, Old Faithful, and Canyon areas have accessible general stores, gift shops (in lodging), and bookstores (in visitor centers). The accessibility of stores in other areas varies. Visitor CentersYellowstone has nine visitor centers and information stations. The visitor centers at Canyon Village, Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs (Albright), Grant, West Thumb, and West Yellowstone are accessible. The Fishing Bridge visitor center is partially accessible. Visitors at the Norris and Madison visitor centers may require assistance. Walkways & Self-Guiding TrailsMost walkways and self-guiding trails have at least one accessible route. Wheelchair Loans & RentalsManual wheelchairs are available for loan at Old Faithful, Canyon, Mammoth (Albright), Grant, Fishing Bridge and Norris visitor centers, and all lodging facilities, except Roosevelt Lodge, while staying in those areas. Wheelchairs can be rented on a first-come, first-served basis at medical clinics. A beach wheelchair is available for use along the shore of Yellowstone Lake. No reservations are required. Ask about availability at Fishing Bridge Visitor Center. ![]() Backcountry AccessibilityYellowstone’s backcountry and recommended wilderness areas are open to all, including people with disabilities. While wheeled devices are generally prohibited on park trails and in the backcountry, exceptions are made for wheelchairs used by individuals whose disabilities require them. A backcountry permit is required year-round for all overnight stays in Yellowstone’s backcountry. Wheelchair Use in the Backcountry
Accessible Campsites & TrailsWhile not fully wheelchair accessible, the following locations are more feasible for individuals with mobility impairments:
Service Animals in the BackcountryTrained service dogs are allowed in the backcountry but come with added risks:
To reduce risks, service dogs must always be leashed, under control, and attended at all times. Pet food should be treated like any bear attractant—stored securely and never left unattended. Waste must be properly cleaned up: fecal matter should be disposed of in a trash can, toilet, or pit toilet. If these options are not available, it must be buried in a hole at least six inches (15 cm) deep and 200 feet (61 m) from any water source, campsite, or trail. More Information
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Last updated: April 23, 2025